Post-extubation sore throat; How far nebulized dexamethasone decreases its incidence?

Abstract

Post-operative sore throat (POST) is a frequent complaint that occurs in 21–65% of patients receiving general anesthesia (GA) with endotracheal intubation. It can persist for more than a week, and negatively impacts patient satisfaction and recovery. Effective prevention of postoperative sore throat is thus needed. Mucosal trauma and erosion due to endotracheal intubation and mucosal inflammation have been considered the etiologies of postoperative sore throat.The inhaled corticosteroids deliver the drug to the site of action where it is used in patients with airway diseases without systemic effects. Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory effects The purpose of this study is to estimate how far nebulized dexamethasone decreases the incidence of POST and hoarseness of voice. This double blinded double armed placebo controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 people divided into 2 groups; Group D: 30 patients received dexamethasone 8 mg in 5 ml normal saline nebulized 15 minutes before general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. Group S: 30 patients received 5 ml normal saline nebulization 15 minutes before general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. The study results showed: Patients’ characteristics (age, sex, weight, ASA and Mallampati classification), duration of surgery, type of surgery, intubation attempts and site of endotracheal tube shows insignificant difference between both groups. Peri-nebulization hemodynamics, shows insignificant difference between both groups as regard to heat rate and mean arterial blood pressure at all